Smart Locks: A Better Alternative to House Keys

Picture this—you’re at work and you get a phone call: your kids forgot the key to the house when they left for school and now they’re locked out of the house. Or, maybe your housekeeper is there but you’re stuck in traffic.

For many people, the solution is to keep a hidden key under the mat, in a fake rock, or somewhere out of sight.

But is this really the best solution?

The problem with traditional house keys

Most of us have at least one set of keys. When you think about it, though, they're actually pretty inconvenient and even pose a safety risk. Take a look at some of the downsides of keys:

• They're easy to lose. If you've ever lost your keys, you're not alone. In fact, one survey found 28% of people lose their house keys at least once a week.
• You'll need to make copies. Everyone in your family needs a key, but if you ever get a pet sitter, housekeeper, or someone to water your plants while you're out of town, you'll need to make spares. The more copies of keys out there, the higher the risk of keys being misplaced or getting into the wrong hands.
• They're hard to hide. Plenty of people stash their spare keys outside, but finding a spot that's easy to find for you or your visitors also means that it's easy to find for burglars.
• They require an extra step. Have you ever left the house in a rush only to ask yourself, "Did I really lock the front door?" Not knowing can leave you worried and stressed.

Smart locks are a smart (and safer) alternative

Bottom line? House keys are outdated. Luckily, there's a better alternative: smart locks.

What are smart door locks?

A smart lock replaces existing deadbolt and lock to give you greater security and increased functionality. Usually, a smart lock features a keypad where you enter a unique PIN in order to unlock the door. Many smart locks use Wi-Fi, bluetooth, or Z-wave technology that allows you to unlock your door right from your smartphone. And remote access to your lock means you can lock up from anywhere.

When a smart lock is integrated with a smart home system, you take your front door security to a whole new level.

The main benefit of a smart lock is the ability to lock and unlock your door from your smartphone no matter where you are. Whether you need to let someone into your home or you want to make sure you locked your door, you can do it all from your smartphone app. It's the ultimate in convenience and peace of mind.

What are the other benefits of smart locks?

• Multiple access codes. You can make an access code for everyone in your family, so they each have their own. These codes replace keys and allow secure entry to your home. Not only that, but you can create codes for delivery people, guests, house sitters, and anyone who needs to access your house. You can also disable codes as needed. Plus, you can receive a notification on your phone when someone uses their access code, letting you know who’s entering your house and at what time.
   

  

• Better security. Smart locks eliminate the need for spare keys, so you don't have to worry about your keys getting lost or in the wrong hands. You can now ditch that fake rock.
• One-touch leaving. If you're like many other people, the morning rush can be a real struggle. Juggling kids, backpacks, purses, briefcases and everything else in the morning while fiddling to find your keys so you can lock the door is not exactly convenient. With a smart lock, you can press the lock button on the smart lock and go. Not only will it lock your door, but it can also automatically arm your security system, turn off lights, and adjust your thermostat. It's that simple.
• Custom rules and notifications. You can set rules to have your door lock automatically when you leave, lock behind you after you come home, or enable notifications that let you know when someone unlocks your front door.
• Integration with your smart home. If you have a fully integrated smart home, you can lock your door with just your voice using smart speakers like the Google Home or Amazon Echo. This is especially convenient when you’re settling down for the night and can’t remember if you locked the door. “Alexa, lock the front door.”

Common questions about smart locks

Replacing your keys with a smart lock is a big step, especially if you’re not very familiar with all the ins and outs. That said, it’s only natural to have a few more questions about smart locks. Let’s take a look at some of the most common questions about smart locks.

Do smart locks need power?

Yes, most smart locks need power. If you purchase a smart lock from Vivint, you can sit back and relax while our professionals install it for you. So ultimately, you won’t need to worry about a thing.

Are smart locks secure?

Yes, smart locks are secure. They eliminate the need to hide a spare key, making your home more secure. And they can be given added levels of security through additional passwords and PIN numbers on your phone.

What smart locks work with Google?

Many smart locks work with the Google Assistant or devices that use Amazon Alexa. Vivint’s Kwikset Smart Locks work with both. By integrating your smart locks and Vivint home security system with Google or Alexa, you can lock your doors with just a few words.

Technology has made life easier in so many ways, including how you access your house. If you're still relying on keys to unlock and lock your doors when you're coming and going, it's time to ditch the keys for a more modern, convenient, and safer smart lock. The best home security system starts at the door with a reliable smart lock.

Ready to increase the security and functionality of your front door? Give us a call at 844.481.8630 for a free quote on a smart home system that includes a smart lock.